Istrian de Dignan – Ecomuseum

A group of enthusiastic people from Vodnjan, who wants to exploit the untapped potential of the city, has recently founded the non-profit association called "ISTARSKO – Ekomuzej iz Vodnjana / ISTRIAN – Ecomuseum of Vodnjan.”

It is a fact that the Ecomuseum fundamental objective is to rouse the awareness about the local community identity value, a goal achievable through the education, preservation and interpretation of the natural and cultural local peculiarities. The ecomuseum becomes a specific instrument of the new museology that put the man and his needs at the core of all its activities.

Enhancing the human labor products, research, care, preservation and dissemination of the historical, cultural and rural heritage, especially the agriculture, as well as counting on a wide range of natural and native products, the Association will promote the creation of a cultural and touristic identity of Vodnjan, globally recognizable.

Another goal is the protection and revitalization of the material and immaterial rural heritage, including tools, crafts, skills, as well as the traditional wagon and pets. Other purposes are the maintenance and cultivation of the land, the redevelopment of abandoned buildings and uncultivated agricultural areas, as well as the conservation of native species and biodiversity.